Does Amazon Accept PayPal In 2024? (Try This Instead…)

ByCharles Scott Last Update on

With over 197 million active user accounts worldwide, PayPal is one of the largest digital payment processors. And as one of the biggest ecommerce retailers, serving over 200 million customers, Amazon‘s payment options are top of mind for many consumers.

In fact, according to a 2022 survey by Slickdeals, around 34% of online shoppers wished Amazon accepted PayPal. So does one of the most popular online retailers accept one of the most widely-used online payment methods?

Can I Use Paypal Directly on Amazon?

The short answer is no, Amazon still does not accept PayPal directly as a payment method in 2024. When checking out on Amazon, you will notice PayPal does not appear anywhere as a payment option.

This contrasts with many other major online retailers that do feature PayPal checkout options, such as Ebay, Etsy, Target, Home Depot and Walmart.

How Do I Use a Paypal Cash Card on Amazon?

While PayPal can‘t be used directly, there are a couple worthwhile workarounds that allow you to make Amazon purchases with your PayPal balance:

PayPal Cash Card

One method is obtaining a PayPal Cash Card, which is a free physical debit card linked specifically to your PayPal wallet balance. It can be used anywhere that accepts Mastercard.

To use it on Amazon:

  • Apply and get approved for the PayPal Cash Card within your PayPal account.

  • When the card arrives in the mail, register it and add it as a payment method within your Amazon account settings.

  • At checkout, select the PayPal Cash Card as your payment method on Amazon. The purchase amount will deduct directly from your linked PayPal balance.

According to PayPal, over 9 million Cash Cards have been activated globally as of 2022. Customers have successfully used it to checkout on Amazon with their PayPal funds:

"I have the cash card and use it all the time on Amazon. It‘s awesome because I can load money from different sources like my bank, other cards, PayPal balance and use it for purchases." – Romello J., Amazon Customer

The main downside to the PayPal Cash Card is you don‘t earn any rewards points on Amazon purchases, as you normally would with an Amazon Prime Rewards card. But if rewards aren‘t a priority, it provides a relatively quick and easy way to use your PayPal on Amazon.

PayPal Key

Another approach is utilizing PayPal Key, which generates virtual credit card numbers that link back to your PayPal account.

To set up and use PayPal Key for Amazon:

  • Enable PayPal Key within your PayPal account settings.

  • Choose to create a virtual card number. This generates a 16-digit card number, expiration date, and CVV security code.

  • Copy and paste or input the PayPal Key card details when selecting your payment method on Amazon.

While more manual than the physical card, PayPal Key removes the wait for delivering a physical card. One limitation is it does not work for Amazon Prime subscription renewals, only individual purchases.

According to PayPal‘s Q3 2022 earnings, PayPal Key has seen increasing adoption with 63% year-over-year growth in active accounts. As customers get comfortable using virtual card numbers online, it offers a compelling PayPal-to-Amazon payment option.

Payment Method Comparison for Using PayPal on Amazon

Payment MethodProsCons
PayPal Cash CardSeamless checkout, tap and pay optionsNo Amazon rewards points
PayPal KeyFaster digital setup, links to all payment sourcesMust re-enter card details manually

What Alternative Payment Can I Use on Amazon Similar to Paypal?

PayPal may be off the table directly, but Amazon does offer its own branded PayPal equivalent – Amazon Pay.

Amazon Pay allows you to checkout quickly on Amazon using the payment methods saved within your Amazon account. This includes your bank accounts, debit/credit cards, and any gift card balances.

Some key benefits over entering your card details manually:

  • Provides an extra layer of security – your full card number is never exposed.
  • Super fast checkout – no need to re-enter or lookup card details.
  • Can support multiple payment sources like bank accounts and credit/debit cards.

However, Amazon Pay comes with a major caveat: it is currently only available to Amazon customers in the United States.

Amazon Pay vs. PayPal Availability

Digital WalletCountries Supported
PayPalOver 200 countries
Amazon PayUnited States only

While PayPal has near global ubiquity, Amazon Pay‘s country limitations make it unavailable as a PayPal alternative for Amazon shoppers outside the US at this time.

But within the US, Amazon Pay is widely used – according to a PYMNTS.com 2021 survey, 68.4 million American consumers have used Amazon Pay. Compared to PayPal‘s 81 million reported users in the US and Canada, Amazon Pay adoption is rapidly growing.

Analysts at Piper Sandler estimate Amazon Pay‘s total payment volume will reach $126 billion by 2025, reflecting strong growth in merchant adoption. So for American shoppers, Amazon Pay provides the most PayPal-like experience while shopping on Amazon.

What is the Best Paypal Alternative to Use on Amazon?

For US Amazon customers, Amazon Pay delivers the best experience as a PayPal alternative when shopping on Amazon. It provides fast and secure digital wallet checkout without exposing your full card details.

However, Amazon Pay is geographically limited compared to PayPal. For Amazon shoppers outside the United States, the PayPal Cash Card or PayPal Key remain the top options to pseudo-anonymously use your PayPal balance for Amazon purchases.

The PayPal Cash Card in particular offers a relatively quick and convenient way to tap into your PayPal funds anywhere Mastercard is accepted. But you miss out on some of Amazon‘s card-linked perks and rewards.

What Other Payment Methods Are Available on Amazon?

Beyond digital wallets, Amazon supports a wide range of payment methods:

  • Credit Cards – Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, EuroCard
  • Debit Cards – Visa, Mastercard
  • Amazon Gift Cards – Physical or digital gift cards purchased from various retailers
  • Amazon Store Card – Retail card with financing offers from Synchrony
  • Amazon Secured Card – For building credit, issued by Synchrony
  • Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card – Gives 5% back on Amazon/Whole Foods purchases

Support for other region-specific cards include China UnionPay and STAR network in Asia Pacific.

According to Amazon‘s Q4 2022 earnings, worldwide active Amazon customer accounts now exceed 200 million. With so many customers to serve globally, Amazon is gradually expanding and optimizing digital payment options wherever feasible.

Conclusion

While Amazon still does not directly accept PayPal, customers wanting to use their PayPal funds do have some solid workarounds:

  • US shoppers – Use Amazon Pay for an integrated and secure digital wallet checkout.
  • International shoppers – Rely on the PayPal Cash Card or PayPal Key to pseudo-anonymously use PayPal during checkout.

Hopefully someday soon Amazon will add direct PayPal support. But until then, the PayPal card products and Amazon Pay offer the next best options for paying with your PayPal funds on Amazon purchases.

Charles Scott is a dynamic professional whose academic and career achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in the retail and consumer service industry. Graduating with an MBA from New York University in 2013, Charles has built a diverse and impressive career portfolio. He has held significant roles as a manager, advisor, and marketer, showcasing his multifaceted skills and deep understanding of the industry.

Beyond his direct professional engagements, Charles has made a notable mark as the head writer and founder of ExpertBeacon.com. This platform stands as a testament to his dedication to consumer empowerment and education. ExpertBeacon.com is a resource designed to assist consumers in addressing their persistent questions about products, services, and companies. Under Charles's leadership, the site provides in-depth, well-researched, and accurate information, all structured in easy-to-follow guides and articles. His work here not only highlights his expertise in the field but also his commitment to providing valuable, actionable information to the public.

Charles's approach is centered on a keen understanding of consumer needs and market dynamics, making him a respected voice in the industry. His contributions through ExpertBeacon.com and his professional roles reflect a blend of strategic thinking, practical knowledge, and a genuine desire to enhance consumer experiences in the retail and consumer service sectors.

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